We are extremely pleased to
present the award-winning work of Lakota artist, Molly Murphy.
This box incorporates Plains Indian imagery and symbolism combined
with contemporary abstract designs. Please take a moment to learn
more about Molly, and read her personal statement.
Molly Murphy was born in 1977
in Great Falls, MT. A mixed blood descendent of the Oglala, Lakota
tribe, Murphy was raised in western Montana and earned a Bachelor's
in Fine Arts from The University of Montana in 2004.
Most of her work stems from
a combination of traditional Native arts and modern art. Murphy
learned beadwork at a very early age as well as hide tanning,
sewing and traditional clothing design. I consider my work to
be narrative on many levels.
There are times when I want
to tell a very specific story and the pieces become narrative
in tone. In other cases I am simply evoking emotional responses
to basic elements such as shape and color.
Nearly all of my work reflects
the issues of politics, cultural identity, and learning to live
with the weight of the past. Molly Murphy currently lives in
Missoula, Montana with her husband and daughter.
Along with being a resident
artist and guest lecturer throughout Montana, Molly's recent
awards and exhibitions include:
2007 Heard Museum Guild Fair
and Market, Phoenix, AZ, 1st Place Class VII Division A, Judges
Choice, Dittemore
Wheelwright Museum, Sante Fe, NM, Holiday Exhibit and Auction
Art Without Reservations:
Changing Hands 2, Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY
Artist Statement:
The inspiration for my beaded
box series comes from traditional art forms such as parfleche
containers, pottery, baskets, and hide painting. The patterns
on historical objects speak to me and I continue to be compelled
to use the parts and pieces of patterns in new ways. For me beadwork
is the perfect synthesis of old and new. With beads I can tell
stories, show shapes and talk about my landscape while never
feeling I have lost touch with traditional forms. The boxes use
materials that anyone could go and buy, it is only my interpretation
that makes it different than mainstream art.
This particular box represents
a spring in the mountains, a kind of oasis where flowers, insects
(especially dragonflies that need the water), and people can
find relief. The outside panels have half mountain designs, dragonflies,
and cloud shapes. The interior has plants leaning over the water
that a dragonfly is flying over. I originally planned a more
desert like piece, but kept thinking back to our trips through
Utah and thinking how much of that landscape is defined by where
water is, rather than by where water isn't.
When you open it, each top
corner "joint" is held together with a jewelry magnet.
The lid should sit gently on top if the box is closed. Gently
pull on each corner to open and see the interior.
The care and handling of beadwork
differs from other media. The wool components can be gently dusted
with a lint free cloth, or an adhesive lint remover used to remove
particles. Also you may use canned forced air used to clean electronics.
Keep out of direct sun and avoid high humidity. Beadwork has
characteristics of both strength and delicacy. Gently dusting
and proper care when moving should ensure that beadwork retains
its original appearance.
Detailed list of media and components
for conservation purposes: size 15 Japanese beads, size 13 cut
Czech beads, hand-dyed wool, lightweight wood, Nymo brand thread,
Swarovski crystals, silver plated jewelry magnets.
